The three Sultanate coins mentioned were made of: Tanka (mainly Silver, though high-value ones could be gold), Shashgani (a medium-denomination, fractional Silver coin) and Jeetal (Copper or copper-alloy). Sultan Iltutmish formalized this bimetallic currency system. The Tanka served as the primary,Read more
The three Sultanate coins mentioned were made of: Tanka (mainly Silver, though high-value ones could be gold), Shashgani (a medium-denomination, fractional Silver coin) and Jeetal (Copper or copper-alloy). Sultan Iltutmish formalized this bimetallic currency system. The Tanka served as the primary, high-value coin, while the Jeetal was the low-denomination coin used by the masses for everyday trade. Roughly 48 Jitals equaled one Silver Tanka.
Khalisa land, the territory whose revenue went directly to the Sultan's treasury, was greatly expanded during the reign of Alauddin Khalji. His key reforms involved confiscating land grants (Inam, Waql) from religious figures and nobles and eliminating the revenue-assigning Iqta system in the fertilRead more
Khalisa land, the territory whose revenue went directly to the Sultan’s treasury, was greatly expanded during the reign of Alauddin Khalji. His key reforms involved confiscating land grants (Inam, Waql) from religious figures and nobles and eliminating the revenue-assigning Iqta system in the fertile Doab region. This centralization was critical. It ensured a direct and reliable revenue stream, allowing him to impose a 50% tax (Kharaj) and sustain his immense standing army and his strict market control system.
The Iqta system, introduced by Muhammad Ghori, involved assigning revenue-yielding territories to military commanders in return for maintaining troops. The first such grant in India was given to Qutbuddin Aibak, Ghori’s most trusted general. This arrangement not only rewarded Aibak for his loyalty bRead more
The Iqta system, introduced by Muhammad Ghori, involved assigning revenue-yielding territories to military commanders in return for maintaining troops. The first such grant in India was given to Qutbuddin Aibak, Ghori’s most trusted general. This arrangement not only rewarded Aibak for his loyalty but also ensured efficient governance and military readiness in newly conquered lands. Aibak used the revenue to administer territories, maintain soldiers and expand Ghori’s influence. The practice became a standard administrative feature under the Delhi Sultanate, shaping both revenue collection and military organisation. Aibak’s role in pioneering this system strengthened his rise as founder of the Sultanate.
The Tughlaqnama is a significant historical–poetic composition authored by Amir Khusro, one of the greatest literary figures of medieval India. Written in Persian, it celebrates and documents the rise of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. The text details his background, military aRead more
The Tughlaqnama is a significant historical–poetic composition authored by Amir Khusro, one of the greatest literary figures of medieval India. Written in Persian, it celebrates and documents the rise of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. The text details his background, military achievements, administrative qualities and the circumstances that led him to the throne. Amir Khusro’s narrative blends history with eulogy, a common style of court literature, but still provides valuable information on the political and social climate of the period. Because of its literary richness and historical insights, the Tughlaqnama remains an essential source for studying early Tughlaq history.
During the Delhi Sultanate, several types of taxes were imposed on agricultural production. Kharaj was the most prominent land revenue tax, particularly applied to non-Muslim cultivators and contributed significantly to the state treasury. Umar Muktai and Muktai were additional agrarian levies colleRead more
During the Delhi Sultanate, several types of taxes were imposed on agricultural production. Kharaj was the most prominent land revenue tax, particularly applied to non-Muslim cultivators and contributed significantly to the state treasury. Umar Muktai and Muktai were additional agrarian levies collected from landholders or peasants depending on regional practices. These taxes ensured consistent revenue flow and supported the administrative and military machinery of the Sultanate. In contrast, Khums was not related to agriculture; it was an Islamic levy requiring one-fifth of war booty or mineral wealth to be given to the state. Hence, only Kharaj, Umar Muktai and Muktai qualify as land-produce taxes.
The coins of the Sultanate period—’Tanka’, ‘Shashgani’ and ‘Jeetal’—were made of which metals?
The three Sultanate coins mentioned were made of: Tanka (mainly Silver, though high-value ones could be gold), Shashgani (a medium-denomination, fractional Silver coin) and Jeetal (Copper or copper-alloy). Sultan Iltutmish formalized this bimetallic currency system. The Tanka served as the primary,Read more
The three Sultanate coins mentioned were made of: Tanka (mainly Silver, though high-value ones could be gold), Shashgani (a medium-denomination, fractional Silver coin) and Jeetal (Copper or copper-alloy). Sultan Iltutmish formalized this bimetallic currency system. The Tanka served as the primary, high-value coin, while the Jeetal was the low-denomination coin used by the masses for everyday trade. Roughly 48 Jitals equaled one Silver Tanka.
ANSWER: (B) Silver, silver, copper
See lessDuring the reign of which Sultan did Khalisa land develop on a large scale?
Khalisa land, the territory whose revenue went directly to the Sultan's treasury, was greatly expanded during the reign of Alauddin Khalji. His key reforms involved confiscating land grants (Inam, Waql) from religious figures and nobles and eliminating the revenue-assigning Iqta system in the fertilRead more
Khalisa land, the territory whose revenue went directly to the Sultan’s treasury, was greatly expanded during the reign of Alauddin Khalji. His key reforms involved confiscating land grants (Inam, Waql) from religious figures and nobles and eliminating the revenue-assigning Iqta system in the fertile Doab region. This centralization was critical. It ensured a direct and reliable revenue stream, allowing him to impose a 50% tax (Kharaj) and sustain his immense standing army and his strict market control system.
ANSWER: (A) Alauddin Khalji
See lessTo whom did Muhammad Ghori grant the first Aqta in India? (A) Shamsuddin Iltutmish (B) Tajuddin Yalduz (C) Qutbuddin Aibak (D) Nasiruddin Qubacha
The Iqta system, introduced by Muhammad Ghori, involved assigning revenue-yielding territories to military commanders in return for maintaining troops. The first such grant in India was given to Qutbuddin Aibak, Ghori’s most trusted general. This arrangement not only rewarded Aibak for his loyalty bRead more
The Iqta system, introduced by Muhammad Ghori, involved assigning revenue-yielding territories to military commanders in return for maintaining troops. The first such grant in India was given to Qutbuddin Aibak, Ghori’s most trusted general. This arrangement not only rewarded Aibak for his loyalty but also ensured efficient governance and military readiness in newly conquered lands. Aibak used the revenue to administer territories, maintain soldiers and expand Ghori’s influence. The practice became a standard administrative feature under the Delhi Sultanate, shaping both revenue collection and military organisation. Aibak’s role in pioneering this system strengthened his rise as founder of the Sultanate.
ANSWER: (C) Qutbuddin Aibak
See lessWhat is the name of the author of the “Tughlaqnama”?
The Tughlaqnama is a significant historical–poetic composition authored by Amir Khusro, one of the greatest literary figures of medieval India. Written in Persian, it celebrates and documents the rise of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. The text details his background, military aRead more
The Tughlaqnama is a significant historical–poetic composition authored by Amir Khusro, one of the greatest literary figures of medieval India. Written in Persian, it celebrates and documents the rise of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. The text details his background, military achievements, administrative qualities and the circumstances that led him to the throne. Amir Khusro’s narrative blends history with eulogy, a common style of court literature, but still provides valuable information on the political and social climate of the period. Because of its literary richness and historical insights, the Tughlaqnama remains an essential source for studying early Tughlaq history.
ANSWER: (C) Amir Khusro
See lessWhich of the following refers to taxes levied on land produce? 1. Kharaj 2. Khums 3. Umar Muktai 4. Muktai
During the Delhi Sultanate, several types of taxes were imposed on agricultural production. Kharaj was the most prominent land revenue tax, particularly applied to non-Muslim cultivators and contributed significantly to the state treasury. Umar Muktai and Muktai were additional agrarian levies colleRead more
During the Delhi Sultanate, several types of taxes were imposed on agricultural production. Kharaj was the most prominent land revenue tax, particularly applied to non-Muslim cultivators and contributed significantly to the state treasury. Umar Muktai and Muktai were additional agrarian levies collected from landholders or peasants depending on regional practices. These taxes ensured consistent revenue flow and supported the administrative and military machinery of the Sultanate. In contrast, Khums was not related to agriculture; it was an Islamic levy requiring one-fifth of war booty or mineral wealth to be given to the state. Hence, only Kharaj, Umar Muktai and Muktai qualify as land-produce taxes.
ANSWER: (D) 1, 3 and 4
See less